Integrating American Sign Language into the inclusive classroom

Abstract

An Inclusive classroom is an environment where students with various educational needs are educated within the same setting. Integrating American Sign Language into an inclusive classroom has the ability to better assist students who are children of Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing adults, students who have hearing impairments and are educated in a general education classroom and students who have certain types of learning disabilities. This integration can also help teachers with general classroom management as well as promoting inclusivity within their classroom. Integrating American Sign Language into an inclusive classroom is beneficial for students because it will assist them in learning the language, make the classroom a more comfortable setting for students whose first language is American Sign Language, as well as assist students who do not communicate orally.